Healing Our Waters

Freshwater and coastal ecosystems face increasing pressure from land use, pollution, and climate change. Healing Our Waters brings together science experts, local leaders, and the public for an evening of kōrero and inspiration, highlighting both the challenges facing our rivers, lakes, and estuaries, and the collective actions we can take to restore and protect them for future generations.

📅 Date & Time: Wednesday, 10 September 2025, 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM

📍 Location: University of Waikato Tauranga Campus, Level 2 Lecture Theatre (101 Durham Street, Tauranga 3110, New Zealand)

🎟️ Registration: Register via Humanitix

Healing Our Waters will be held at the University of Waikato Tauranga Campus, Level 2 Lecture Theatre.

Event Overview

Three distinguished speakers will explore:

• The current condition of rivers, lakes, estuaries, and streams

• The science behind aquatic ecosystem restoration

• Community-driven actions that foster long-term watershed protection

  
  

Speakers Include:

• Dr Mike Joy – A freshwater ecologist and senior researcher at Victoria University of Wellington. Mike is well known for his outspoken work on the state of New Zealand’s rivers and lakes, especially the impact of intensive agriculture, and will share insights into what’s really happening beneath the surface of our waterways.
  

• Professor Chris Battershill – Leads Coastal Science at the University of Waikato. Chris studies how runoff and land use affect estuaries and reefs, and how ecosystems respond to pressures like climate change. He’ll explore the connections between land and sea, and what this means for the health of our coasts.
  

• John Burke – A community leader in environmental restoration and advisor to projects such as Wai Kōkopu and Project Parore. John brings a farmer’s perspective from his award-winning Pukekauri Farm near Katikati, showing how practical, catchment-led action can make a real difference for local streams and estuaries.

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Ngā mihi A big thank you to the Rotary Bay of Plenty Community Group for hosting Healing Our Waters as part of their Footprints for Our Future programme. Rotary are also running Club-Led Environemntal Action Days on September 13 and 14 — check it out here! A range of other events can also be found at the bottom of their page.